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How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Written by
Tina Sendin
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Andres GutierrezCompare Health Insurance Policies
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What is teeth whitening?
Long story short
Teeth whitening in the dentist’s chair can cost between $600 and $1,000
In-chair treatments give instant results, while take-home kits from your dentist can cost less.
Over-the-counter kits are much cheaper but take longer
You can grab these from a pharmacy for as little as $20, but the whitening strength is much milder.
Private health insurance rarely covers cosmetic whitening
It’s generally not covered by Medicare or most extras policies, so you’ll likely pay from your own pocket.
Results aren’t permanent, so you’ll need touch-ups
Lifestyle, diet, and ageing mean you’ll need top-ups to keep your smile bright, adding to the long-term cost.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is like giving your smile a fresh coat of paint – it’s a cosmetic procedure that uses bleaching to brighten up your pearly whites.
But over time, life happens. Your morning coffee, a cheeky glass of red, a love affair with beetroot and cherries, or even just getting older can leave your teeth looking a bit the worse for wear.
Pearly whites may not be so white anymore because of dental issues, too. Sometimes, it’s more than just stains –dental issues like decay, damage, or even childhood medications can dull your sparkle.
Teeth whitening is a non-surgical procedure that’s safe when done by a registered dental professional.
It’s not for everyone, though. If you’re pregnant, have sensitive teeth, or are dealing with gum disease or cavities, it’s best to have a chat with your dentist first.
Now, there are different ways to get it done:
In-chair whitening
Done at the clinic, the dentist will apply a high-concentration whitening gel and often zap it with a special light to speed things up. The best part is, it only takes one appointment, and you’ll walk out with a brighter smile straight away.
Take-home kits
Prefer a DIY approach? Your dentist can give you a professional kit to use at home. It comes with custom-made trays that fit your teeth and a professional-grade whitening gel. Pop the trays in for a set time each day, and over a few weeks, you’ll see your pearly whites shine.
Over-the-counter kits
You can get these from the pharmacy and for much cheaper than the other two methods. But don’t expect instant results – the whitening strength is mild and might take weeks.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Because teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, it’s not covered by Medicare. Sorry, but you’ll need to pay for the whole thing yourself (unless you’ve got one of the very rare health insurance plans with dental cover that includes it).
All this said, the cost of getting your teeth whitened really depends on the method you choose, location, number of sessions, dentists’ fees, brand and products used (like for whitening gel).
Here’s what the costs could look like:
| Whitening method | Average cost |
| In-chair professional whitening | $600 to $1,000+ |
| Custom take-home kits | $250 to $600 |
| Over-the-counter kits | $20 to $150 |
Sources: Dunstan Dental & Medical Suites – Teeth Whitening Cost in Australia: At-Home vs In-Chair Options Compared; Hastings Dental Centre – Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost in Australia?; Tooth Heaven – How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost in Australia? A Complete Guide from Tooth Heaven
Are there other out-of-pocket costs for teeth whitening?
Let’s get to the tooth of the matter: teeth whitening comes with a fair few out-of-pocket costs. On top of the procedure itself, there are other things to consider. For example, you’ll likely need an initial dentist consultation to check if you’re good to go, and that could entail pre-whitening treatments to fix issues like cavities or gum disease. But if you have dental cover in your private health insurance, then things like dental consultations, check-ups and examinations, as well as extractions and cleaning, could be covered.
Are there other costs after teeth whitening?
While teeth whitening can last for a few years, how long your smile stays bright also depends on the product and method used, your lifestyle, and your oral hygiene. That said, it isn’t permanent, so upkeep is something to think about.
To keep those pearly whites shining, you might need to fork out for a few things:
Touch-up sessions
These might be needed every six to 12 months. This could involve another in-chair session, which is less intense than the initial one.
Take-home whitening kits
You might need to keep using custom-fit trays and professional-grade whitening gels from your dentist.
Regular visits to the dentist
Keeping up with regular dental cleans can help buff away those little surface stains and keep your teeth generally healthy. These could be covered by your private health insurance if you have dental extras cover.
Maintenance products
Your dentist might recommend a whitening toothpaste to help maintain the colour.
Helpful tip
Extras cover can be a real lifesaver for dental care. Whether you’re after basic cover for check-ups and cleans or something more comprehensive for things like crowns, veneers, or extractions, health insurance can help keep your smile shining.
While most insurers don’t cover teeth whitening, there’s a big range of dental treatments that they can potentially cover. It’s always a good idea to read the private health insurance statement (PHIS) closely. It saves any nasty bill shock down the track.
Andres Gutierrez
General Manager – Health
How long will I have to wait for teeth whitening?
One of the great things about teeth whitening is that there are generally no public hospital waiting lists to worry about, as it’s handled in the private system. You can usually book an appointment with a dentist pretty quickly.
What level of health insurance do I need to cover teeth whitening?
Very few private health insurance policies with extras cover for dental services cover teeth whitening. . It’s always a good idea to check with your fund and confirm your item numbers prior to treatment to see if you are covered and how much for.
Every health fund’s got its own rules, so what they’ll cover (and how much you’ll get back) really depends on your policy. Some could chip in for the whole cost of teeth whitening up to an annual limit, but it could depend on things like your level of cover, the type of whitening method used, or whether it’s done at a participating dental clinic.
Some policies might have specific exclusions for cosmetic procedures and DIY dentistry – including whitening kits – so it pays to read the fine print. It’s also worth checking the annual limits on your dental cover, as this will determine how much you can claim back in a calendar year.
Frequently asked questions
Is teeth whitening safe?
Absolutely! When done by a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is as safe as houses. The Australian Dental Association gives it the thumbs up, as long as you go with a registered dental pro who follows strict safety and quality rules.
And while DIY kits or beauty salon treatments might seem like a bargain, without professional oversight, you could end up in a sticky situation that bites.
How long does teeth whitening last?
You can think of it as a long-term investment in your smile. Results can last for a few years, but it all depends on your lifestyle. If you can dodge coffee, tea, red wine, and smokes, your pearly whites will stay brighter for longer. That said, touch-ups will likely be needed to keep your grin sparkling like a diamond.
Does teeth whitening work on all teeth?
Not always. Whitening treatments don’t work on dental restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings. It’s also not recommended for those with sensitive teeth, gum disease, cracked teeth, or untreated dental problems. Your dentist can tell you what kind of results you can expect based on your specific situation.
Looking to sink your teeth into health cover?
While health insurance that includes teeth whitening is rare, extras policies can cover a big range of other dental treatments. With iSelect, you can compare a range of policies to find one that’ll keep your cheeky grin in good nick. Jump online to use the iSelect comparison tool or give our friendly team a buzz at 1800 784 772to start comparing health insurance today!
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